Gay Weddings Could Boost California Economy by $370 Million  | News | Advocate.com

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June 03, 2008
Gay Weddings Could Boost California Economy by $370 Million

M.V. Lee Badgett, research director at the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy at the UCLA School of Law, estimates that gay weddings could add $370 million to the state economy over the next three years, according to a story in the Los Angeles Times.

Wedding planners, bakers, florists, caterers, and hotels have already noticed an uptick in business since the California supreme court's May 15 decision to overturn a state ban on gay marriage.

The estimate is based on the assumption that about half of California's 92,000 same-sex couples will get married and that those couples will spend approximately $8,040 on their weddings.

The $370 million figure is a rough estimate since no one can accurately predict how many gay couples will actually tie the knot nor how much couples will spend on their weddings.

The figure could be smaller since the supreme court ruling could be nullified. State officials are currently verifying petition signatures for a proposed November 4 ballot initiative that would amend the state constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage.

If the supreme court does not stay its ruling, California counties can begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples beginning June 17. (The Advocate)

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Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

  • Name: Art M.
    Date posted: 2008-06-03 8:11 PM
    Hometown: San Francisco, CA

    Comment:

    Gay Marriage only bringing in $370 Million to CA??? What about all the TOURISTS from out of state, flocking to California to get married? How much do you think THEY'LL spend: on travel, hotels, restaurants, tourists stuff? What about all of their guests who'll ALSO come? How about the couples who'll come to get married and then move for the freedom? $370 million is a drop in the bucket to what Gay Marriage will do for California's economy.


  • Name: Bessica
    Date posted: 2008-06-03 12:23 AM
    Hometown: New York

    Comment:

    Legalization of gay marriage in California is really a good news for GLBT. One of my friends, who found her another part on the online community BisexualMingle, decided to get married recently. Hope they have a great marriage life.


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